Diverse edelen, plaat U 1530 - 1536

Nicolaas Hogenberg’s engraving “Diverse edelen, plaat U” captures a procession of nobles, each figure meticulously rendered with distinct attire and heraldry. Hogenberg, working in the 16th century, lived in a world of immense social stratification. His art reflects the era's preoccupation with lineage, status, and power. The very act of documenting these nobles is telling. It speaks to the perceived importance of preserving images of the ruling class. I am struck by the way Hogenberg situates them against a backdrop of heraldic symbols, which reinforce the idea of inherited privilege. The nobles, predominantly male, participate in a carefully constructed performance of power, meant to impress and intimidate. The image subtly invites us to consider who is included and excluded from this vision of authority. By immortalizing these figures, Hogenberg offers a glimpse into the complex dynamics of identity, power, and representation that continue to resonate today.